How to Be a Great Speaker Without Changing Who You Are
I work with so many incredible people—scientists, executives, academics—who all come to me with the same fear: “I don’t want to be a slick, overly polished speaker. That’s just not me.” And I couldn’t agree more. The best speakers aren’t the ones who appear flawless—they’re the ones who embrace their natural style and make it work for them.
Meet Brian: The Brilliant (but Awkward) Speaker
Let me tell you about Brian. He’s an AI expert who studies human behavior and decision-making. Brilliant guy. But when it came to speaking, he was uncomfortable, awkward, and often tripped over his own feet—literally. His body language leaned left and downward, making him appear hesitant on stage.
Instead of forcing him to “fix” his posture and mimic some rigid speaking standard, I gave him a different challenge: Lean into it. Be himself. Stop worrying about “correcting” every movement and instead, focus on making his unique presence part of his charm. And you know what? It worked. The more Brian embraced his natural way of moving, the more confident he became. His audiences weren’t distracted by his quirks—they were drawn to his authenticity.
Your Authenticity is Your Superpower
The biggest mistake speakers make is thinking they need to erase their natural habits in order to be effective. In reality, the best speakers amplify who they already are. That’s what makes them engaging and memorable.
So how can you bring more of you to the stage? Here are three simple techniques:
✅ Use Your Natural Gestures – Neuroscientists have found that using hand gestures while speaking not only engages your audience but also helps your brain process information. Let your hands move the way they naturally do!
✅ Master Eye Contact – Instead of scanning the room frantically, pick one person and hold eye contact for a few seconds. This makes everyone around them feel like you’re speaking directly to them.
✅ Emphasize Vocal Variety – Your voice is a powerful tool. Play with pace, tone, and pauses to make your message more dynamic and engaging.
The Takeaway? Be More You.
If you’ve ever felt like you “just aren’t a natural speaker,” stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold. The best speakers are not the most perfect—they’re the most real. Find ways to enhance your style, rather than change it.
So the next time you step on stage, don’t try to be the most polished version of yourself—be the most present version of yourself. That’s who your audience wants to hear from.
Ready to take your speaking to the next level? Download my free Business Storytelling Toolkit and learn how to craft powerful, authentic presentations that connect.